The Office for Students (OfS) has published guidance for universities and colleges on the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). The guidance sets out how universities and colleges will be assessed for TEF ratings in 2023, and an explanation of how expert TEF panels will carry out assessments.
The Office for Students (OfS) has published guidance for universities and colleges on the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). The guidance sets out how universities and colleges will be assessed for TEF ratings in 2023, and an explanation of how expert TEF panels will carry out assessments.
All universities and colleges regulated by the OfS must meet minimum requirements on the quality of their courses and on student outcomes. TEF recognises increasing degrees of excellence above these minimum expectations and universities and colleges can receive one of three ratings: ‘Gold’, ‘Silver’, or ‘Bronze’. Where there is an absence of excellence above the minimum requirements, the outcome will be ‘Requires improvement’.
TEF outcomes will last for four years. They are assessed by a panel of experts in learning and teaching, including academic and student members. Panels make an assessment based on evidence submitted by each university or college, an optional student submission and a set of indicators produced by the OfS. Guidance is also published today to help inform the student submissions. The TEF panel considers the following, for the mix of student and courses at each university and college: students’ academic experience and assessment; resources, support and student engagement; positive outcomes; and educational gains.
Jean Arnold, Director of Quality at the OfS, said:
'The TEF is an important part of the way the OfS regulates quality and standards. All universities and colleges must meet our minimum expectations. Beyond that, we want universities and colleges to pursue excellence in the way they choose. TEF provides a key mechanism to help incentivise excellence, putting a spotlight on courses, informing student choice and influencing the reputation of universities and colleges. Our approach is designed to ensure that our regulation of quality and standards, and of equality of opportunity, are mutually reinforcing for the benefit of students from all backgrounds.'
Participation in TEF is mandatory if condition B6 of the regulatory framework applies to a university or college. Eligible providers can participate voluntarily if condition B6 does not apply to them. Universities and colleges in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can participate on a voluntary basis. The deadline for submissions is 24 January 2023.